Titanium, an unusual choice of metal for Patek Philippe, isn’t all that unusual when you think back to the few other unique executions the maison has previously created for charity auctions, such as the titanium 5004 split-seconds perpetual calendar for Only Watch 2013 and, more recently, the titanium 5208 minute repeater and perpetual calendar chronograph for Only Watch 2017.

But the combination of the atypical metal for a unique piece of a watch that has been wildly polarizing for Patek Philippe, makes for quite the potent cocktail to keep an eye on; and what more at a public auction. Because in the same way that the previous titanium unique pieces were meant for the Only Watch charity auctions, this particular one, too, has been created for yet another charity auction to be hosted by Christie’s.

This time round, the benefitting organization will be the Children Action Foundation, based in Geneva. The organization was formed in 1994, with the intention of bringing meaningful change to the lives of children in need.

Their initial purpose was to provide aid to children in Switzerland, where teenage suicide is a social issue, and one that Children Action wants to work towards eradicating. The organization also supports projects in eight other countries through long-term engagements for maximum impact in the lives of the children there.

On top of the use of titanium, the other point of deviation in this unique 5524 is its black dial, which has been treated by hand to bear this vertical striped satin finish. Otherwise, the watch is fitted with the same self-winding caliber 324 S C FUS and, therefore, boasts the same functions as the regular production 5524.

The special sale, titled the Children Action auction, is marked for October 15, 2018. And while that is still a far-off date, Christie’s will have the watch on show during the coming Geneva auction week, from the 11th to 13th of May 2018 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. Further details, as well as an estimate on the watch should follow soon, as more information becomes available during the preview.